This past week seems to have simultaneously dragged on forever and zoomed by. Since BU didn't start school until Thursday, I was still on the cusp of getting into my full routine of training, coaching, and working. Not only that, I planned on having my season opener at the BU Multi-Team Meet on Thursday. Every day until then definitely seemed like it dragged on forever.

I remember back when I was in high school, I used to work for days on zero sleep. In fact, I thought it was the coolest thing in the world that I could be so high-functioning in that condition when most people can barely last until lunch time before they collapse. In fact, my favorite phrase used to be "sleep is for the weak", haha. My perception of sleep didn't change much when I got to college, especially considering I was studying engineering. I spent way too many days grubbing on pizza, chugging what seemed like gallons of Mountain Dew, and watching the sun rise. Of course, it took me a while to realize how horrible it was for me - not only a normal human being, but as an athlete. I was sick with something or other all throughout my freshman year, and by the end of my sophomore year I decided something needed to change. I saw the school's sports nutritionist to learn how to eat healthier, I changed my major, and I pulled much less all-nighters (once every few months vs. every single night).

If you were to ask me what I thought of sleep now, I'd tell you it was the greatest thing in the world.

I love it and try to rest whenever possible. Why not take that nap? Why stay up late if I don't have to? I sing the praises of sleeping to anyone who will listen, and since you're reading this, I assume you're all ears. So here's why getting the rest you need is not only good for you as an athlete, but also as a functioning human being.